Remedies For Hair Loss: The potential effectiveness of natural treatments requires three to six months.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the causes of hair loss vary from person to person—from age and poor diet to excessive weight loss, chronic iron deficiency, thyroid disorders, childbirth, and more.
In America, the most common type of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern hair loss. This type of hair loss is hereditary. According to the US National Institutes of Health, more than 50 million American men and 30 million American women suffer from this type of hair loss.
Remedies For Hair Loss, Since hair loss is so common, there are many products on the market that promise to fix it. Good Morning America reached out to Dr. Jennifer Ashton, an obstetrician-gynecologist and senior medical reporter for ABC News, to ask an expert about natural ways to treat hair loss.
Speaking to Good Morning America, Dr. Ashton says the first step in treating hair loss is to work with your doctor or other healthcare provider to identify the cause. Once the root cause is identified, there are natural and affordable treatments that may help stop hair loss and even promote hair growth, she explains.
What To Know Before Trying Natural Remedies
Remedies For Hair Loss, Ashton notes that natural remedies are topical solutions, meaning they should only be applied to the skin and scalp, not ingested. Because using these medications can cause scalp irritation, Ashton suggests testing the solution on a small patch of skin for a day or two before applying it to the scalp.
He also says that each of these treatments should be used every other night or two to three times a week, not every day. Also, you need to be patient, as it may take three to six months to see results.
Coconut Oil
Remedies For Hair Loss, Research findings suggest that coconut oil may help prevent hair loss. Although coconut oil is more of a preventative option than a treatment for hair regrowth, Ashton believes coconut oil—which comes in both liquid and solid forms—is the low-risk option she likes.
Ashton also points to limited data showing that coconut oil improves hair growth or thickness.
Rosemary Oil
Remedies For Hair Loss, At least one research study has shown that rosemary oil is as effective at promoting hair growth as minoxidil, the hair loss drug sold under the brand name Rogaine.
According to Ashton, the oil extracted from the rosemary plant can be applied directly to the scalp and massaged.
Peppermint Oil
Remedies For Hair Loss, Another animal research study has shown that peppermint oil stimulates hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp.
Ashton explains that peppermint oil dilates blood vessels, resulting in increased blood flow. He also explained that this oil should be diluted with another oil and then it can be applied to the scalp and massaged.
Red Ginseng
Remedies For Hair Loss, Red ginseng is a widely used herbal medicine that some studies have shown to improve hair growth in mice.
Regarding the use of red ginseng, Ashton says that this substance has the effect of making the hair thicker by transitioning the hair follicle from the resting phase to a more active phase. He goes on to point out that given the very low risk of this substance, it may not be harmless to try it.
According to Ashton, red ginseng should also be diluted with another oil and then applied to the scalp.
Onion Juice
Remedies For Hair Loss, Some studies have shown that onion juice causes hair growth in people. It is said that this substance helps to strengthen hair, reduce inflammation, and hydrate the scalp due to its sulfur properties.
Onion juice can be applied directly on the scalp.
Scalp Massage
Remedies For Hair Loss, Other studies show that scalp massage can help increase hair thickness.
According to Ashton, this technique works by helping to increase blood flow to the scalp.
Highlights In Hair Care Products
Remedies For Hair Loss, Just as packaged foods have nutrition labels that list their ingredients, hair care products have similar labels.
According to Ashton, the first ingredient to look for in any hair care product is alcohol. Alcohol is often one of the top three ingredients, but it does real damage to your hair, she says. Alcohol makes hair dry and prone to breakage, and it may also cause dry scalp.
Remedies For Hair Loss, Ashton went on to add that although most hair products contain alcohol, look for a product that doesn’t list alcohol as one of the first three ingredients.
She recommends that compounds such as caffeine, peppermint, or peppermint can increase blood circulation and improve the overall health of the scalp.
Also Read:
Ways To Reduce And Prevent Hair Loss In Men
Afraid Of Going Bald? Try These 10 Home Remedies To Prevent Hair Loss
Sulfate-free Shampoo: Is Sulfate-free Shampoo Really Good For Hair?
